2011 Inductees

Bedesem, Dick

Football Coach (Bucks County Chapter)

Bedesem was one of the most successful football coaches in the history of Bucks Co. He graduated from LaSalle High School where he was an All-Catholic running back. In 1957, Dick became the first football coach at Bishop Egan H.S. He led Egan to 5 Catholic League Titles (1963, 66, 67, 69, 70), 6 Northern Div. Titles (1963, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70), and 4 Philadelphia City Titles (1963, 66, 67, 69); the 1966 team was ranked #5 in the Nation. He also won a Suburban One Title at Neshaminy H.S. In 1973-74, dick began his collegiate career with Wayne Hardin at Temple; from 1975-80, he was head coach at Villanova. In 1982 he joined Jackie Sherrill at Pitt; His final coaching position was as head coach at Delaware Valley College from 1987-91. Dick was inducted into the PA Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2004.

Mehelich, Charles “Chuck”

Football (Western Chapter)

Chuck was known as the “Iron Man” as a two-way starter at Duquesne University, Bainbridge, Fleet City, and Samson Naval Stations and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Owner Art Rooney told others, including Charlie’s nephew Hall of Famer Bill Fralic, that Charlie was the toughest football player he ever saw. He was inducted into Duquesne University Hall of Fame in 1975. After retiring from Pro Football, he taught and coached at North Catholic and Cheltenham High Schools from 1956 until his death in 1985. He was an assistant coach in Football and Head Basketball Coach, coaching Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

Vincent, Troy

Football (Bucks County Chapter)

An 1988 All-State running back at Pennsbury High School and an All-Big Ten defensive back at Wisconsin, Troy was the first round pick of the Miami Dolphins in the 1992 NFL Draft. He spent 4 seasons with the Dolphins; in 1996 he became a Philadelphia Eagle where he earned 5 consecutive Pro Bowl selections at defensive back from 1999 to 2003. From 2004 to 2006, he played for the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Redskins. While in the NFL, Troy served as President of the NFL Players association from 2004 to 2008. He was the recipient of several prestigious awards including 2003 Walter Payton Man of the Year, the 2003 Byron “Whizzer” White Award, the 2004 NFL Athletes in Action Bart Starr Award, the Sporting News #1 Good Guy in “All Professional Sports” Award, and the 2008 Warner Award.

Thomas, Blair

Football (Montgomery County Chapter)

Blair Thomas a Philadelphia native led Frankford High to a league championship in 1984. He was selected to participate in the Big 33 All-Star game which consisted of the top 33 players in the State. Thomas attended Penn State where he was a member of the 1986 National Championship Team. He was the first player in school history to rush for more than, 1,400 yards in two seasons. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist and MVP of the 1989 Holiday Bowl and 1990 Senior Bowl. Thomas was drafted in the first round by the New York Jets in 1900. His NFL career spanned six seasons where he led NFL rookies in yards per carry and AFC rookies in total yardage.

Pettine, Sr. Mike

Football (Bucks County Chapter)

Mike Pettine is simply the most successful high school football coach in Pennsylvania AAAA Football; his 327-42-4 record is a Pennsylvania AAAA record. After graduating from Villanova, Mike started his coaching career at Pius X High School in Pottstown as an assistant football and basketball coach from 1962 to 1965; in 1965 he came to Central Bucks West High School as a Social Studies Teacher and an assistant football coach. In 1967 Mike became the Bucks’ Head Coach and the rest is a record breaking history. From 1967 to 1999, Mike’s teams won several league titles and 4 PIAA State Titles in ’91, ’97, ’98 and ’99. In 33 seasons of coaching football, his teams had 13 perfect seasons and a state record 59 consecutive wins. They even made a movie out of his 1999 season called The Last Game.

Ryan, William “Bo” E.

Basketball Coach (Delaware County Chapter)

Chester, Pennsylvania native Bo Ryan was s three-sport standout at Chester High School (1962-65) and a four-year starter at Wilkes College. Starting as a prep coach in Pennsylvania, Ryan found fame at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville (1984-99). Owner of the best win percentage in Div. III history (353-76, .822), he won Four National Championships and four National Coach of the Year Awards. At the University of Wisconsin (2001-present), Ryan has captured Five Big Ten Championships and Two Big Ten Coach of the Year Honors. With the best win percentage in Big Ten history, Ryan has twice been named Div. I National Coach of the Year. Ryan also coached on three USA Basketball Teams, capturing two Gold Medals and one Bronze.

Papale, Vincent E.

Football/Track (Philadelphia City All-Star Chapter)

Delaware County Track star competed at St. Joseph’s University. Played sandlot football for 6 years before hooking on in WFL with Phila. Bell. Joined Eagles as walk-on for Coach Vermeil, played 4 years where he was known for his kamikaze style on special teams, before moving to TV and radio career. Involved in much charity work, which earned him Man of the Year for Eagles in 1977. Subject of the movie “The Invincible”. Married to Janet Cantwell, a former member of the US National Gymnastics Team.

Overton, Doug M.

Basketball (Summit Chapter)

Doug Overton was one of the finest guards to ever play in the Big Five (LaSalle University). During his four years he helped lead the Explorers to a record of 99 and 28 and Three NCAA Tourneys and one NIT appearance. He is the LaSalle University all time leader in steals (277) and assists (671) while scoring 1,795 points (15 ppg). Doug was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the NBA Draft in 1991. He played twelve seasons in the NBA with Eight different teams including Washington, Denver, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Charlotte, Orlando, Boston, and LA Clippers. His career high in assists was 18 vs. San Antonio and 30 points vs. Orlando.

Cecconi, Louis “Bimbo” C.

Football (Western Chapter)

Bimbo earned 11 letters in football, basketball and baseball at Donora High School. A QB, he led them to 3 WPIAL Titles, and also led the basketball team to State Runner Up Honors. At Pitt (1946-1950) Bimbo earned a record 9 letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a 4 year, 2-way starter in football at QB/DB and captained the 1949 squad while earning the Quarterback and Dapper Dan Club Awards. Bimbo was named to the All-Time Pitt Team 1900-1970. He concluded his football career as a coach in high school for 10 years and college for 16 years.

Carril, Pete

Basketball (Berks County Chapter)

First team All-State, Bethlehem Liberty (1948)HS, All PA Collegiate and ALL-American at Lafayette College under Coach Butch Van Breda Kolf (1952). Coached Reading H.S. (1959-66), 145-42 record; won 2 District 3 Titles. Coached at Lehigh University one year before going to Princeton Univ. where he coached for 29 years. (1967-1996). Won NIT (1975); Had a record of 525-273; only Division I Coach to win 500 games without using athletic scholarships. Pete won 13 Ivy League Titles, has been assistant coach for Sacramento Kings for 11 years. Has been inducted into the National Collegiate Coaches Hall of Fame.